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Doesn't it feel like there is an unending string of crises in the world? It's no secret that our world is a broken place, and sometimes it might feel like it doesn't end. Sometimes, even people we are close to experience some tough things, and we want to be there for them.

With the amount of pain and heartache in the world, it's easy to get overwhelmed —especially when we are naturally empathetic. Job's friends were so torn up about his pain and hardships that they wept and sat silently with him for seven days. Eventually, their doubts and fatigue from the situation took over — leaving Job (and God) unhappy with them. What they were experiencing was probably a lot like what we know as empathy fatigue. This is why it's so important to always go to God first. God comforts those in need, even when you do the comforting. It can get tiring and overwhelming, so it's okay to take it to God and ask for rest.

Have you experienced empathy fatigue? What practical ways can you avoid burning out when comforting loved ones?