Are these life disturbances, lack of success, and delay in the answer to prayers a trial or a punishment from God? And how can the questioner know that God is pleased with her, and what should she do to attain His pleasure?

Every affliction and evil that befalls a servant is primarily caused by their distance from Allah and their commission of sins. Sincere repentance is the solution, by feeling remorse, abstaining from sins, and resolving never to return to them. Adversities may also be a punishment to expiate misdeeds or to elevate one's status. The believer is always in a winning situation: if good befalls them, they are grateful, and if harm befalls them, they are patient. They must accept Allah's decree and have a good opinion of Him, the Almighty.