Be not as servants who serve the master
on condition of receiving a reward;
Be rather as servants who serve the master without condition of
receiving a reward;
And let the fear of heaven be upon you.
- Pirkei Avot 1:3
You Christians. 
I'm not a Christian nor do I think I'm good enough to exegesize
on the Bible but I do read it sometimes. Perhaps this could be a
start to feel your sadness sanctified, like I once felt too and
thats what I hope for in posting this.
So under Matthew 26:38-39, Jesus mentioned, "My soul is overwhelmed
with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with
me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground
and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken
from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Maybe, maybe, God does unto us what He considers worthy of us, to
be afflicted with hardship because we are deserving for the
struggle, for whatever purpose. 
