Let the Reign reign in me
Sometimes the words arrive long before we fully understand where they are leading us
Many years ago, during a season when God was leading me out of bondage and into a life I scarcely believed possible, these words came to me. They were not conceived as nor meant to be poetry. To me they are something simpler—a record of a soul learning that Grace is not merely something God gives, but Someone who reigns.
Looking back now, I am struck by how many of the themes that have shaped my life and writing were already present: sonship, surrender, Hope, and the discovery that Heaven’s Kingdom is not only something we await, but something Christ desires to establish within us today.
Perhaps these words will speak to someone who, like I once did, is wondering whether there can be Hope for even them.
I tried my way and see what I wrought Broken and lost, seeking what was naught Knowing inside that I was my own aught Remembering then what Hope had always sought
Choices made and choices ahead Hoping and praying––yes, even me But who would listen to this claim I made? Who would believe such of one like me?
Rain falling from my eyes with no way to see Weeping for a future that could not possibly be Hoping there would be Hope for even me I was Agony and Torment for all to see
But deep inside there was a beat A cadence that sounded no retreat A glimmering hope that it could be for even me This story I know about the King and a Tree
Let the Reign fall like Heaven’s rain Let the Reign reign in me Let the Reign fall like Heaven’s rain Let the Reign reign in me
Water my heart with this Heavenly rain Let it rise and swell inside of me Soaking my spirit with Love’s refrain Growing a son who was meant to be
I find Him in the chambers of my heart Ruling from His sapphire throne There lives the Holy One who said to me Yes, my son, you are My own
Made new by Love’s great Grace I bow before and lower my face Not in shame or pitiful disgrace I bow in thanks for entry to this place
A place where one such as even I Can know the glory of His perfect essence Not in a far off abstract place or time But here and now before His Presence
Let the Reign fall like Heaven’s rain Let the Reign reign in me Let the Reign fall like Heaven’s rain Let the Reign reign in me
Now a son I must learn to reign My life to be lived on a different plane This the call of each new breath To be Heaven’s reign destroying death
I know what I was and I know who I am Life’s journey a grueling trail of desert sand Yet there was Hope for even me Now your Hope is waiting, don’t you see?
Life and Death are yours to choose Each choice a chance to start anew Which door to take, which path to walk? The way crooked or the way made taut
Choose well, my worthy friend Trust your heart and let it mend Step through the door where Peace is found Where Love, Mercy and Grace abound
Let the Reign fall like Heaven’s rain Let the Reign reign in me Let the Reign fall like Heaven’s rain Let the Reign reign in me
Copyright 2015 Ken Burkhalter
Looking back across the years, I can see that this was less a declaration than a beginning. Much of what I continue to write in Walking in the Light has simply been an attempt to live into the truths first whispered to my heart during that season of newfound freedom.
If you find yourself standing where I once stood, wondering whether Grace can possibly reach someone like you, know this: it can. The same King who taught me to pray, “Let the Reign reign in me,” still invites each of us into His Kingdom today.
Even me, even you.
Shalom