A Valley of Tears

This past week has surely been a sad week for our nation, and especially for the people of Orlando.  It began last weekend with the senseless shooting of Christina Grimmie, a young woman who loved God and had so much potential to do so much good with her life.  Christina’s death, however, was quickly overshadowed in the news by the horrific killing of 49 people at the Pulse Night Club early Sunday morning.  All of that was followed by the extremely sad news of the death of a two year-old boy as he was snatched and drowned by an alligator while at a Disney resort beach.  This city known for its amusements, entertainment, and happy faces became what might be described as “a valley of tears.” 

I myself couldn’t help but feel a sense of great sadness as we were bombarded by one terrible news story after another.  And, I couldn’t help but reflect upon the fact that, in each of these cases, those affected by what took place, were in one moment enjoying themselves—probably laughing and smiling—and in the next moment they were filled with pain, fear, and grief.  One moment they seemed to be living life to the max, in the next, they were face to face with death.  Life quickly became for each of them and those around them “a valley of tears.” 

Unfortunately, that is the kind of world in which we live.  It’s so hard for any of us to fully understand it. But, our world and our lives are a delicate balance of joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, good and bad.  One moment can quickly take us from one extreme to the other. The sin and evil of our world can very suddenly cast their shadow over our lives. Laughing turns to tears in but a moment in time.

The Psalmist wrote about the “valley of tears” in Psalm 84.  His words picture God’s people on a journey through life, during which they pass through a very, very difficult place (i.e. the “Valley of Tears”). But, in that place they find strength and even eventual blessing as they trust in God and set their hearts on him. 

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“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.  As they pass through the Valley of Baka (Tears), they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”  (Psalm 84:5-7) 

As you go through your life and pass through your own “valley of tears,” I want to encourage you to not give up on your faith. Rather, look to the One from whom you are able to receive the strength and grace you need; the One who is able to take your tears and turn them into springs of blessing; the One who has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. 

And, let’s pray for the people of Orlando, for our nation, and for our world! Surely, so many people need to come to Jesus Christ and learn of his comfort, love, and grace—especially as they pass through the “valley of tears.” 

“Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you” (Psalm 84:12)

Pastor Tim Harris