Musar על בבא מציעא 117:5

Tears come from sorrow and great worry. And we have learned that "the gates of tears are not locked" (Baba Mezi'a 59a). And it is written, "Mine eyes run down with rivers of water because they observe not Thy Torah" (Ps. 119:136). And it is written, "For I do declare mine iniquity : I am full of care because of my sin" (Ps. 38:19). A man ought always to be concerned with what has passed, worry as to what lies ahead and always be fearful that perhaps he will not fulfill the full measure of repentance. "Happy is the man that feareth always" (Prov. 28:14).

Rachel replied that she would bring a צרה into her home. She referred to her maid-servant Bilhah, whom she elevated to be a potential competitor by having Jacob sleep with her in order that she, Rachel, could by this means become a surrogate mother. Israel's position while in exile is somewhat similar to Rachel's status after she had given Bilhah to Jacob as a wife. When Israel in exile is forced to adopt alien practices, it does so with a pure heart, its motivation is Heaven-oriented. However, due to our sins there is a צרה which intercepts between us and G–d, i.e. the קליפה. This problem is alluded to in the Midrash Rabbah's introduction to Lamentations. Such behavior is tantamount to bringing the picture of an alien deity into the sanctuary. Seeing that Israel in exile is not a free agent, the gates of tears i.e. prayer of distress, are not closed to it and our prayers reach G–d having broken through to Heaven by way of ארץ ישראל. This is what Rachel said to Jacob. Though they were not in ארץ ישראל, the prayer would help by the very fact that she was prepared to bring a צרה into her house. As a result, G–d would look at her affliction and accept her prayer even while she introduced a foreign element into her sanctuary, her house.