Willows By Water Courses

In Isaiah 44:4 God uses the imagery of vibrant willows and lush grasses near these waters to remind us that we, too, are like those tender green blades nourished by His living waters. By staying close to His life-giving springs, we flourish! Not only ourselves but also ensure the survival of future generations. It is said that Jochebed, the mother of Moses, crafted a basket from the soft branches of willows. This very basket carried Moses safely through the waters of the Nile. But why did the people hang their harps on the willows? The humble willow tree symbolizes the simple yet profound faith of figures like David, Esther, and Mary. Each of them contributed a unique tone, a harmonious rhyme, a beautiful melody—a song that embodies our act of worship.

David was a young boy, charming in appearance yet courageous and wise. His hidden strength lay in a song of praise! Esther possessed a beauty that set her apart from all others. It was HER beauty! This beauty transcended mere physical looks; it emanated from the kindness and gentleness of her heart, soul, and spirit. This inner beauty granted her access to the king's court and his attention!

In the Old Testament, David wielded worship as his secret weapon, while Esther's was her beauty. But what was Mary’s secret weapon in the New Testament? Mary’s secret weapon was the anointing oil! It was the profound understanding of the FEAR of the Lord!

Those who are gentle and tender in spirit are unyielding! They fear no man!

This became her divine head covering. Her hair was infused with the fragrance from her alabaster jar transforming into a ‘hidden’ bonnet of praise!

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah banner over me is Love!

She was sheltered under His wings, soaring above the stars and planets, guided by the very pupil of His eye, nourished with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag! No one could stand against her! No one in that room could challenge her!

In Matthew 26, while Jesus was in Bethany at Simon the Leper's home, a woman approached Him with an alabaster jar filled with costly perfume, which she poured over His head as He reclined at the table. In John 12, He remarked, "I entered your house; you did not offer me water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You did not greet me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing my feet since I arrived. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume." Her fragrance didn’t merely fill the room; it released a “breaker’s anointing!” The scent of her hair reminded Jesus of Rahab’s scarlet cord of faith, which saved a nation! Even today, the cords of her worship resonates with us!

1 Peter 3:3 reminds us that our beauty should not come from outward adornment.

Their simplicity inspired a melody that resonated in the heart of Jesus! It’s all about Jesus—the essence of worship! No need for extravagance or showiness; it’s as straightforward as the willow tree! Just as the willow branches sway gracefully in the breeze, the breath of God releases a heartfelt song! Songs of freedom dance in the air, creating a Tabernacle of Praise! Lord, let Your spirit flow through us! Let the strings of our hearts resonate like a harp! Much like Moses, he nestled among the reeds of the Nile, crying out when Pharaoh's daughter discovered him. In that moment, he conquered the giant of death, singing his “song of deliverance” through the intertwined willow branches. Oh Lord, we will remember to let our heart songs resonate through our delicate branches by the streams of the willow! We will not let our heart songs (harps) hang lifeless on the willows, but instead, we will invite You to move through the branches of our willow tree, bending them freely in the wind of Your SPIRIT. You are teaching us, as brides, to be gentle and adaptable. When You breathe Your life into us, it softens our hearts! You are creating YOUR Tabernacle within us!
Unless You breathe Your spirit into our tree, our hearts, and our very essence, we cannot thrive. Oh Lord, use Your Holy shears to prune away the deadness and dryness so that our living branches flow with you!

Written from an Experience on November 16, 2015, during the night when I heard the phrase: Isaiah 44 Mississippi

Isaiah 44:4

and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.