In my many years of dealing with people in adversity, I've seen that suffering is exhausting.

Those in physical or emotional pain often have low energy during the day and fall asleep exhausted at night.

Suffering is hard.

Jesus and His disciples were in Gethsemane. It was late. The disciples were tired from a long day. Jesus took Peter, James, and John further into the Garden and left the others near the entrance.

Jesus began to be dreadfully troubled and distressed when He was alone with the three (Mark 14:33-34). They didn't know what to say to Him as they watched His terrible agony (Mark 14:40), and instead of helping Him, they kept falling asleep.

In today's verse, Luke describes how the sorrow Jesus was feeling seemed to crush the very lifeblood out of Him—such was the agony about His impending suffering.

The times I've conducted the funeral of a young child were terribly exhausting. The funeral service, coupled with ministering to the family and friends, overwhelmed me every time. If I was exhausted, think of how the parents must have felt.

Suffering is hard, but some suffering can be too much to bear, and cause us to collapse under its weight. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV)

Are you suffering today? Are you weary?

If so, you're in good company. Jesus was crushed by His burden, as those who saw Him could plainly see. Take some comfort knowing that you're not alone in feeling this way.

When it all gets to be too much, go to the Lord in prayer. Call on Him to do what He promised when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Retreat to a comforting place when your burdens are too hard to bear—to Jesus, Himself! He's watching and waiting for you.

Make it a habit to rise early and "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6)

Surrender your sorrow and suffering to Him before your day begins.

Spend time in His presence. Be still before Him and He will give you rest.