What do you say?

As we've been studying Romans at church this fall and winter, I've been learning what exactly a high view of God looks like (more on that another day).  And I've been learning how having that view of God gives hope when hope isn't possible.  But what do I say to people in my life who are enduring sorrow and suffering but don't have the hope that only comes from knowing a good God with a plan and a glory far beyond my brain's comprehension?  That's the question of the day.  And I don't have an answer yet, but I think that will have to be the next topic of thought.  In the meantime, my heart is breaking as I try to find a way to connect that doesn't involve condescension, patronization, or any sort of alienation.