When you’re going through something, it is natural to think it is because you’re out of favor with God. You must have done something wrong, and now you’re paying for it. Romans 5 tells us this isn’t the case for a believer. 

The believer already has peace with God through the cross. So, even tribulations are going to work out for good. They aren’t punishment, because Jesus has already taken the “chastisement of our peace” upon himself. He’s already paid the price for our sin.

When you understand this, it gives you reason to “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” You realize that the love of God is poured into your heart by the Holy Ghost. You are not receiving God’s wrath, because you are justified by the blood of the lamb. You’ve taken on his righteousness. You’ve received atonement. You’ve been reconciled to God.

Now that is a reason for joy!