Do religious doubts, a constant feeling of God's wrath, and a negative perception of asceticism reflect a misunderstanding of religion?

This continuous feeling is one of the effects of waswasah (whisperings from Satan), so turn away from it and have a good opinion of your Lord. Combine hope in His grace and mercy with fear of Him and not feeling secure from His plotting and punishment. As for zuhd (asceticism) in this world, it does not contradict strength, wealth, or high position. Rather, it is about being steadfast in obedience to Allah and abandoning what is of no benefit in the Hereafter.