There are two kinds of suffering: forced suffering and voluntary suffering. Forced suffering is the kind of suffering that results from karmic activity; it always leads to more suffering because we tend to try to counteract our suffering by performing more karmic activity. We do not go to Krishna for shelter. Voluntary suffering is when we recognize that we are undergoing suffering for the Lord’s pleasure. Devotees don’t try to counteract voluntary suffering by karmic activity but go to their true shelter, Sri Krishna. We can therefore experience happiness even in the midst of suffering. When devotees see their suffering in connection with Krishna they are joyful because they understand that their suffering helps them come closer to Krishna.
LFD Vol 2 Pg 156 2nd Paragraph