The Valley of Tears

 

Prelude: You Might Not Understand!

 

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The Valley of Tears Examined in Detail

The Valley of Tears

We must all go through the Valley of Tears. We are in "the last days" and God has been teaching, testing, and refining us, as He prepares us to stand firm and be strong as a beacon of hope and light in a world that is going to be full of chaos and darkness. The Great Tribulation will be horrifying as many will die by wars , sickness, diseases, and pestilence in many parts of the world. However in some areas on earth, people will be going about business as usual. 2 Timothy 3:1-7, "But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,4 traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these; 6 They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth."

God is aware of our actions, whether good or evil: Revelation 3:15-21, " 'I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! 16 So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing. (I just want Good Vibes and I know God loves me anyway.) But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.' "

Christ is coming with fire but it will be like in the days of Noah: Luke 17:26-27, & 30, "And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. & 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed." God has been working in these end times seeking people He sees who have a perseverance of character to "see things through" (endure) to the end. God has been teaching, training, and preparing us to be ready to be the light, a voice in the wilderness crying out during a time that is now upon us called the Great Tribulation. Sadly, many of our family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, and co-workers have maintained a blase attitude of denial or indifference. Perhaps they are blinded and afraid, thus caught up in everyday living and ignoring the clear signs of a decaying world in chaotic confusion. Many are lured by a false hope, the enticement and the pull of this world: lulled into mindless games, by things that mutter and peep on the internet. Main stream media and political entities lie to us, as well celebrities and sports stars who encourage us to "just have fun" and not worry because "everything is going to be okay."

James 1:14-15, "But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." They go from holiday to holiday and indulge in new gadgets charging up things many can ill afford to pay for; such as big ticket sporting events, the Olympics, and more. They buy things that are pleasures for the moment. 1 John 2:16, "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." Most believe they are "Christians," but Christ said in Matthew 25:12, " … 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' " Because He does not know them, their Valley of Tears is coming on the many who are Laodicean in spiritual character. They have an outward appearance of Godliness but they do not obey God nor His commandments; including the keeping of His commanded Sabbath Day, which has never been changed by God the Father, neither the Son our Savior Christ, nor the written Word of God! As a result many of those in the last days fall spiritually short and are not chosen to be sealed from the Great and Terrible Tribulation.

Spiritual deception was prophesied: Daniel 7:24-25, "And the ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints {not sealed elect saints} of the Most High, and think {hope} to change the set times and the laws. And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and one-half time."

As a result we read in: Matthew 24:21-22, "For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short." Those not sealed will have to go through the Valley of Tears in the end time for humanity on earth. But the sealed elect will continue to preach the gospel along with the two witnesses and by doing so many who were Laodicean in lifestyle and attitude will repent and renounce the Mark of the Beast even to their own peril, or captivity and martyrdom, or that of their family. Some will die for their beliefs, while others are tormented, imprisoned and tortured; rather than bow down to an evil ruler or regime that demands satanic obedience. The spiritually enlightened will obey God and not submit to any other false doctrine nor dictator. As people worship God Himself; they will finally stop "sitting on the fence."

Daniel received protection, amid persecution: Daniel 6:1-23. and his friends were persecuted and received protection and blessings in Daniel 3:8-30. Stephen in Acts was falsely accused (Acts 6:13-15), he spoke the truth (Acts 7:2-53) and was stoned to death (Acts 7:54-60). The Apostles faced great persecution, imprisonment, and eventually death but they continued to preach the gospel through it all and refused to submit worship towards human kings and rulers. Philippians 1:29, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him." Paul faced numerous persecutions and was ultimately martyred for his unwavering faith. Godly people in both the Old Testament Covenant and the New Testament Covenant have suffered and gone through the Valley of Tears. If we are truly Children of God and Chosen to be elected Saints we must also suffer even as Our Lord Jesus suffered. John 15:18, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you."

The Great Tribulation occurs as a time to refine and purify and test to see who will hear and obey and come out of the Tribulation and be granted Salvation. Throughout Scripture, fire is used to demonstrate God's power, His holy presence, and His role as both Judge and Refiner. Whether it's through visions, acts of destruction, or spiritual purification, the imagery of fire reminds us of God's greatness and His desire to make us holy. Thus Holy fire is one of purifying by His Holy Spirit which He is going to pour upon the earth to combat darkness and evil. He is going to use Holy Fire of truthful purity and light to expose the darkness in these last days of tribulation. Fire is one of the most powerful and vivid symbols used throughout the Bible. It appears both as a literal force of God's power and as a rich metaphor for His presence, judgment, and purification. From the consuming fire of God's wrath to the refining fire that purifies hearts. Scripture uses fire to convey deep spiritual truths about God's character and His work in the world.

God revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2), demonstrating His presence in a fire that burned without consuming. Fire also descended from heaven to consume offerings, showing God’s acceptance of sacrifices (Leviticus 9:24). Yet, fire was also a symbol of God's wrath and destruction, such as when He rained down fire on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24) and when fire consumed those who opposed Him (Numbers 16:35). John the Baptist spoke of Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11), signifying a refining work that burns away sin. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire resting on the disciples, empowering them to spread the Gospel (Acts 2:3-4). 1 Corinthians 3:13, "Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day of trial will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work." Malachi 3:1-3, "Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner's fire, like a launderer’s soap. 3 And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness."

As the world experiences the Great Tribulation, they will go through the valley of tears and God's elect sealed chosen ones, along with the Two Witness, will continue to preach and witness during the entire time until Christ returns. (See Psalms 91) Yes, some will reject God and Choose the glitz, glory, glamour, and creature comforts of the moment. There will be revilers and those who mock God, His laws, and mock those who worship God. Sinner's days are numbered as they will be gathered up and thrown into the Lake of fire and torment. Revelation 20:10 refers to "the eternal torment that comes upon the devil, the beast, the false prophet, and those who worship the beast." Likewise, Revelation 14:11 states, "The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night."

 

Background History and Hope


The Valley of Tears is the name of a huge valley in Northern Palestine that is en-route to the southern part of Jerusalem. In the days of ancient Israel and Palestine this valley was a thick density of Mulberry trees. Those families who traveled from the north in the spring to attend the Passover, and Holy Day Feasts, had to pass through the valley of Baca (valley of tears). They would often stop and rest along the way during the heat of the day or at times would spend a night or two there. They would choose to sleep beneath the thickets of mulberry trees in case it rained. When the Mulberry trees might have a twig break off a branch, due to wind, an animal, or person; the effect was the breakage caused large drops of sap like tear drops to be oozing from the wound of the Mulberry tree. Sap would trickle down the underside of branches, dropping below towards the ground. Thus the Valley that passersby went through became known as "The Valley of Tears."

Hundreds of years before, the valley of Baca was one of Israel's lowest points. Judges 2:1-5, "There they lifted up their voices as one to weep over the judgment their disobedience had brought on the nation, calling it 'the valley of baca' meaning tears." Several Centuries later, the David wrote about this valley: Psalm 84:5-7, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in you… Who passing through the Valley of Baca makes it a well; the rain also fills the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appears before God." The Valley of tears is a representation of humanity's trials, woes, tribulations, and sorrows that we as true believers always have to pass through. Such testing at some point in our lives is on our journey to salvation and we are humbled by it. We have to learn to accept the will of God in our lives and not our own will.

Matthew16:24-25, "Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.' " God never wastes our tears, and there cannot be spiritual rainbows without tears. If our eyes never had tears, our souls would never have known rainbows. This is about turning tears into triumph. Matthew 10:36-39, "A man's enemies will be the members of his own household. 37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; 38 and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

Revelation 5:8, "When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the Saints." The prayers and tears of the saints are so precious, God collects them in golden vials. Human tears are a way of releasing stress, grief, and bringing healing to the wounded spirit. Even Jesus wept when His friend Lazarus died, knowing He would resurrect him. (John 11:35). Christ probably had His moments of travel through the spiritual valley of tears: (Luke 22:40-46). Ecclesiastes 3:4, "There is a time to weep, and there is a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Psalms 30:15, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

A valley may have mountains on both sides of that valley. As we pass from one mountain top to the valley of tears below, God is still walking with us, weeping with us, and collecting our tears. He is refining and purifying us for a greater mission and work He wants us to do. 2 Corinthians 1:4, "Who comforts us in all our tribulation, in order that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trial {tribulation or trouble}, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." In our own lives, we often find ourselves navigating through high peaks of joy and low valleys of struggle. The mountains symbolize the victories and blessings we receive from God, while the valleys can represent the challenges and trials we face. These contrasts teach us important lessons about faith, perseverance, and our dependence on God.

As we meditate on these verses, let us remember that both the mountains and the valleys are unique parts of our spiritual journey. Psalm 121:1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." We all go through the valley of tears, but the valley experiences of the saints are not places of total defeat. They are places for us to evaluate our situation and turn to God for help. Read below all of Psalm 84, and you will see the key to coming out of the valley of tears is to get into God's presence in His house. This is where our strength increases. If you find yourself in the valley of tears or trouble, keep trusting your Father to open a door of hope. Micah 4:1, "In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it." God is building a spiritual temple!

Every valley we encounter in our journey, God helps our feet to walk through it. He is always walking with us and at times He carries us through the hardest parts when we feel like we cannot go on and we feel dark deep despair. God will strengthen us by His love as He sees us through it towards the top of the next mountain and towards victory through Jesus, our Savior. James 1:2-3, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance {endurance}." When we are in the valley, we often find ourselves turning to God with open hearts, seeking comfort and guidance. It is during these low points that we often learn essential lessons about trust, humility, and reliance on God. As we persevere through challenges, we emerge on the other side with newfound wisdom and insight. Together, we can cherish the valleys as spaces where spiritual growth occurs, thus forging a deeper relationship with God and one another. Knowing that each valley experience serves to cultivate our hearts and encourages us to endure with hope and grace. Romans 5:3-4, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

When we climb the mountains of our lives, we are often take in breathtaking views and feel a great sense of achievement. Which represents times of joy, accomplishments, blessings bestowed upon us from our loving God. We experience God's blessings more acutely and gather strength from these high points in our spiritual journey. As we explore the valleys and mountains of our journey through life, we realize that both experiences enrich our lives. Being down in the valleys teaches us resilience and deepens our dependence on God, while the mountains provide moments of joy and celebration. Let's embrace each phase of valleys lows and mountains highs as opportunities for deep spiritual growth and understanding the purpose and will God has for every day of our lives. By facing challenges together, we strengthen our faith and become a light and asset to the greater community of the family of God and those God sends or puts in your pathway. In turn we may be their hope and inspiration through prayer and examples. The mountains reminds us of the heights we can achieve through faith, prayer, and God's guidance.


 

Summation


Ultimately, we can take comfort in knowing God is always with us, walking alongside us whether we are in the low points or the high peaks of our journey. God's presence is our anchor, and in both places, we continue to seek and experience His love. Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." When we cling to our faith, it fuels our perseverance and shapes our approach along the pathways of our spiritual journey, guiding us in moments of victory and elevation. So learn patience and exercise faith to acknowledge and celebrate God's hand in our achievements. Let's embrace a life of faith that sustains us through the valleys and inspires us over the mountains, knowing that God is ever-present in all experiences. Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God and Christ are not delaying Christ second coming, His return is on the thresh-hold and every sign is pointing to Christ returning sooner than most realize or understand. Matthew 24:44, "Therefore, you also be ready. For the Son of man {Christ} is coming at a time that you do not think."

Hebrews 10:23-27, "Let us hold fast without wavering to the hope that we profess, for He Who promised is faithful; 24 And let us be concerned about one another, and be stirring up one another unto love and good works; 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, even as some are accustomed to do; but rather, encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. 26 For if we willfully go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins, 27 But a terrifying expectation of inevitable judgment and of fierce fire, which will devour the adversaries of God."

"©" 2026, Ekklesia Church of God – New Covenant Saints

Worship song links:

Psalms 84:1-12, "… How lovely are Your tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Yea, even the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young, even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will still be praising You. Selah. 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You; Your ways are in their hearts; 6 Who passing through the valley of weeping {Baca} make it a place of springs; yea, the early rain also clothes it with blessings. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them appearing in Zion before God. 8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God, our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed, 10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness, 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You."


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The Valley of Tears

"©" 2026 Ekklesia Church of God
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New Covenant Saints

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