That Smile

Blog Post Sermon: “Chasing What We Cannot Hold: Loss, Longing, and Finding Comfort in God”

In the song “Princess I Made,” we are presented with a heartfelt reflection on the loss of a connection, the longing for something that seems forever out of reach, and the regret that comes from missed opportunities. The recurring theme of “that smile” represents the beauty, joy, and hope that the singer once experienced but can no longer grasp. The song speaks of the deep emotional impact of loss and the pursuit of something unattainable, all while seeking comfort in the midst of pain.

This song allows us to explore the Christian Libertarian Ideology’s perspective on free will, the consequences of our choices, and the need for God’s comfort in the face of loss. It also touches on modern human struggles with regret, longing, and the search for closure. Scripture provides insight into how we can navigate these emotions, reminding us of the hope we find in God, even when life doesn’t unfold the way we planned.

The Pain of Missed Opportunities

“Lord comfort me as I’ve been, living for mere moments
I lost my opportunity, to gain, a lifelong friend.”

This lyric captures the regret of losing an opportunity that could have resulted in something lasting and meaningful. The singer reflects on how they’ve been living for “mere moments,” focusing on temporary pleasures or fleeting experiences, rather than investing in deeper, more meaningful connections. Now, as they realize what they’ve lost, they turn to the Lord for comfort.

In Christian Libertarian thought, the freedom to make choices comes with the responsibility to live with the consequences of those choices. We are free to pursue relationships, careers, or experiences, but we must also face the reality that some decisions lead to loss or regret. In this case, the singer is grappling with the consequences of not seizing an opportunity that could have led to a lifelong friendship.

Proverbs 3:5-6 offers guidance for navigating such moments: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” While we may experience regret for missed opportunities, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s plan for our lives is greater than our mistakes. Even in loss, we can trust that God will guide us forward if we turn to Him.

Longing and the Search for Fulfillment

“A presence so absurd, I can’t stand if she moves
First my knees take shape, then my body goes numb
My body begins to break, go blind deaf and dumb.”

The emotional and physical response described in this lyric speaks to the intense longing the singer feels for the person they’ve lost. This longing goes beyond mere attraction—it’s a deep, overwhelming desire to hold onto something that can’t be grasped. The sense of loss is so profound that it affects the singer’s very being, leaving them feeling numb and broken.

In modern human perspectives, many of us can relate to this experience of longing for something or someone we cannot have. Whether it’s a missed relationship, a lost opportunity, or an unfulfilled dream, the sense of longing can leave us feeling empty or incomplete. However, Scripture teaches us that true fulfillment is found not in worldly pursuits, but in our relationship with God.

Psalm 42:1 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” This verse reminds us that while we may long for things in this world, our deepest longing should be for God. He is the only one who can truly satisfy the desires of our hearts. When we place our hope in Him, we find the peace and fulfillment that eludes us in worldly pursuits.

The Hope of Meeting Again and Patience in Waiting

“If I roam this old road, long enough
Could we meet on the other side?
If I stand to be patient, long enough
Could she ever be mine?”

The song also reflects a hope that, if the singer is patient and endures long enough, they might be able to reunite with the one they’ve lost. This speaks to the common human desire for second chances and the hope that, through perseverance, things might work out in the end.

In Christian Libertarian Ideology, the concept of free will extends to the choices we make in how we navigate disappointment and longing. We are free to continue hoping and waiting, but we are also called to trust in God’s timing and His plan for our lives. The waiting can be difficult, especially when we’re uncertain if things will ever resolve the way we hope. But as Christians, we can rely on the truth that God’s timing is perfect, even when we don’t understand it.

Isaiah 40:31 provides encouragement in times of waiting: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Patience is a virtue, but it must be coupled with trust in God. As we wait on Him, He renews our strength and gives us the endurance we need to continue walking the path He has set before us.

Finding Comfort in God’s Presence

“Lord comfort me as I’ve been, living for mere moments
I lost my opportunity, to gain, a lifelong friend.”

The recurring plea for comfort reveals the singer’s deep reliance on God in the face of loss and regret. While the person they long for may never return, they find solace in turning to the Lord for peace and strength. This is a reminder that, even when we face the pain of missed opportunities or unfulfilled desires, God is always present to comfort us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” In our moments of heartache and regret, God is there to comfort us, reminding us that we are never alone. As we receive His comfort, we are also called to extend that same comfort to others who are struggling.

Conclusion: Turning Loss into Trust

“Princess I Made” is a song that reflects on the deep emotional journey of loss, regret, and the desire for something that cannot be regained. It highlights the pain of missed opportunities and the longing for a second chance, but also points to the need for God’s comfort and guidance through it all.

From a Christian Libertarian perspective, the song emphasizes the freedom we have to make choices and pursue desires, but also the responsibility we bear when those choices lead to regret or loss. We are called to trust in God’s plan, even when things don’t unfold as we had hoped. As we navigate life’s uncertainties, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, guiding us through the challenges and renewing our strength in times of waiting.

Romans 8:28 offers a final word of hope: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Even in our moments of loss, God is working for our good, shaping us according to His purpose. As we trust in Him, we can be confident that His plans for us are greater than anything we could imagine.

Amen.

Princess I made, you’ll never see again
She’s walking away, to a place that I’ve never been
Forever chasing, she never leaves a trace
So poor spirit I will pay, as if you’re only my brain

Lord comfort me as I’ve been, living for mere moments
I lost my opportunity, to gain, a lifelong friend
I will miss that smile, hey, that smile, hey
How the world turns to a blur, when she walks into a room

A presence so absurd, I can’t stand if she moves
First my knees take shape, then my body goes numb
My body begins to break, go blind deaf and dumb
Lord comfort me as I’ve been, living for mere moments

I lost my opportunity, to gain, a lifelong friend
Lord comfort me as I’ve been, living for mere moments
I lost my opportunity, to gain, a lifelong friend
I will miss her smile, hey, that smile, hey

That smile girl, that smile, hey
If I roam this old road, long enough
Could we meet on the other side
If I stand to be patient, long enough

Could she ever be mine
If I roam this old dirt road, long enough
Could we meet on the other side, other side
If I stand to be patient, long enough

Could she ever be mine
Cause I’m gonna miss that smile, hey
That smile girl, hey
That smile, that smile, girl

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