Matthew West - Broken Things Lyrics
Lyrics
If grace was a kingdom
I stopped at the gate
Thinking I don't deserve to pass through after all the mistakes that I've made
Oh but I heard a whisper
As Heaven bent down
Said, "Child, don't you know that the first will be last and the last get a crown"
Now I'm just a beggar in the presence of a King
I wish I could bring so much more
But if it's true You use broken things
Then here I am Lord, I'm all Yours
The pages of history they tell me it's true
That it's never the perfect; it's always the ones with the scars that You use
It's the rebels and the prodigals; it's the humble and the weak
All the misfit heroes You chose
Tell me there's hope for sinners like me
Now I'm just a beggar in the presence of a King
I wish I could bring so much more
But if it's true You use broken things
Then here I am Lord, I'm all Yours
Grace is a kingdom
With gates open wide
There's a seat at the table just waiting for you
So, come on inside
Video
Matthew West - Broken Things (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Matthew West’s “Broken Things,” featured on his 2019 compilation *Hello, My Name Is (Greatest Hits)*, offers a profound reflection on embracing our imperfections and finding God’s strength within our vulnerabilities. This track doesn’t shy away from the often-uncomfortable reality of human frailty; instead, it powerfully asserts that these very imperfections are the channels through which divine grace flows most powerfully. The core message resonates deeply with the biblical concept that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, a truth beautifully articulated by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” West’s artistry here acts as a conduit for this essential theological understanding, suggesting that instead of striving for an unattainable flawlessness, we are called to surrender our broken pieces to the One who can make them whole and purposeful. This aligns with the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, for He will make our paths straight. The song invites us to view our struggles, our mistakes, and our perceived shortcomings not as evidence of failure, but as opportunities for God's transformative work to be displayed. It’s a call to courageous honesty, recognizing that in our admission of needing help, we open the door for God’s redemptive power to enter. This perspective offers a comforting counterpoint to societal pressures that often demand a polished, unblemished exterior, reminding us that true beauty and strength are often forged in the crucible of trials, as James beautifully points out in James 1:2-4, where he states that trials produce perseverance and that this perseverance should lead to mature and complete spiritual character. “Broken Things” ultimately champions the idea that our brokenness is not a dead end, but a divine invitation to experience the fullness of God’s love and His capability to mend, restore, and use us for His greater glory.