We tend to assume that we are experiencing God's favor, if circumstances are favorable. But there are a number of places in Scripture that say circumstances are not necessarily in indication of God's favor.
Peter writes to a group of people who are experiencing bad times. He reminds them that God does not necessarily display his favor in circumstances. Sometimes life is good. Sometimes life is bad.
But God does always share what he thinks of people in Jesus. Everyone is, at one time, God's enemy. We say we do not need him; we say we do not want a relationship with him; and we do not want him in our lives. He is King of creation, and we do not accept him as King. We may strive to be moral, and accepting of people, but this rejection of the King leads to the worst of circumstances.
But Jesus came to re-establish peace with God, and relationship with God. Jesus did this by his death. He was punished in our place, for our rejection.
There is wrong in the world. And it is derived from this rejection of God. Even though God told people what was the best for the world, people either ignored what God said, or decided they knew better, and chose that. In either case, the world now has a type of pollution, which produces what is bad.
No matter how bad today is, we can be confident, and grateful, for tomorrow, and eternity. Because God wants to make eternity good. For those who believe Jesus' death deals with all our bad stuff, and trusts God to act in agreement with Jesus, for our best. we can begin to experience the peace and joy God wants to give all people.
God loves mankind. And he wants to know, and to bless, mankind. It is people's response, saying "no" to God, that blocks this good.
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