To be clear, this is not an essential issue in my mind.
One hopes each of us approaches the Scripture with an open mind/heart. Any bending of it from either view is not good.
The article makes the point that the premill view is not Western/modern only.
The hope and comfort aspect can be seen just the opposite of your opinion. The trials of current Christians are going to be rewarded by Jesus, these are the wrath of man. They may know He may come for them at any time, sparing them the Wrath of God on the earth, and take comfort from it.
I myself look to the imminent rapture, prior to the Wrath of God on the earth, as the soonest possible living meeting with Him. This is the anticipitory hope and comfort the Scriptures discuss.
I get up knowing this could be the day, not saying to myself, seven years from today could be the day.
As far as being now with Jesus as a believer on earth, I take joy from it and shine it as I can. I look for more joy to come.
I agree with you there! The Tribulation is called "The Time of Jacob's Trouble" in Scripture. It is NOT meant for the believers in Christ who are still alive, we are the Bride of Christ. What kind of groom beats the crap out of His bride prior to their wedding feast? No, we will clearly be taken up, "Come up hither!", we will be told and that will start the clock on the seven years of tribulation the world has NEVER seen before. It will REALLY hit the fan in the last half (after 3 1/2 years) and will culminate in the coming of Christ upon the Mount of Olives to destroy the armies arrayed to annihilate Israel. Before they know what hits them, it will be over and the rule and reign of the righteous King for a thousand years will begin.
Not to minimize the truly horrendous persecution going on in the church of Christ from the start even until today, but the Great Tribulation will be Almighty God's wrath upon all those who despise the truth and seek to destroy His chosen people, Israel. Nothing will compare to that! But we will NOT be partakers of this wrath. He has "not appointed us to wrath".
Though I wake up every day wondering if this is the day, I do not let it keep me from doing what I know God wants me to do that day. It is NOT laying around waiting for the Rapture like some of the Thessalonians were doing - quitting their jobs and expecting everyone to feed them while they waited for Christ's return. It is our "blessed hope" because we know that one day we WILL be with Him. I like the saying, "Live every day as if it were your last. One day, you will be right." God bless you!