DEUT390 Every individual, when going through troubled times, must turn to reflection and fasting, together with repentance and prayer, just as the community is obligated to fast during times of collective distress, as our Sages, z"l, have enacted [See Mishnah Ta'anis 1:5-6] -- this is a preferred fast and day of favor. When Divine chastisement is directed to one who is pure and upright, it is there to test him and to enhance his reward in the World to Come, as the pasuk says [this verse], "In order to afflict you and you test you; to ultimately benefit you." Our Sages, z"l, said regarding this (Berachos 5a): "One who scrutinizes his deeds during times of distress, and undergoes self-examination and self-analysis without finding any sin--these then are the sufferings of love." [I.e. The stress is for the sake of increasing his reward in Olam Haba, beyond what he deserves based upon his deeds (Rashi).