This verse is a well-loved and often-cited example of Paul's viewpoint. As he previously stated, all who are in Christ are heirs of God's kingdom together with Christ. It is for this reason that those who are in Christ will share in His sufferings before sharing in His glory. Paul believes that our present sufferings are insignificant in light of the glory that will be revealed to us in the future.
Contrasts are the theme of this verse. We see suffering in contrast with great glory, sadness in contrast with lasting joy, despair in contrast with the glorious hope of the future, and death forever engulfed in the abundance of everlasting life. In this world, suffering helps us to keep our eyes off the things of this world. We tend to lean heavily on the Lord during times of suffering, to pray to Him and to make petitions to Him, to stay close to His protection.
In light of eternity, sufferings are reduced to a mere blip of insignificance. In comparison to our reality in Christ and our eternal heavenly future, they are unworthy even to be mentioned in the same breath as the gospel's truth and glory.

Dear Heavenly Father, in Scripture, You have given us many wonderful words of wisdom. Your hands hold everything. As of right now, I am suffering. My heart feels heavy and surrounded by grief. I pray that My heart and soul will be comforted and reassured that the sufferings we are faced with today are under Your control. I pray that I become firmly rooted in the truth of Your Word and Your glory. I will be able to see the sufferings of this moment in a more positive light through Your power. 
In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.