Christians: If God loves us and is our protector then why does he allow bad things to happen to us?

I am not doubting that God loves us. But I think I may have misunderstood his role in my life. Is he like a super-shield or defender who never allows anything bad to happen to us? We never get used in relationships, never get sick or never get fired at work? I listened to so much of the prosperity gospel and now am angry at God for the way my life has turned out. I feel like he is NOT a protector at all. Help me fellow Christians.