To indicate the depravity of men’s hearts, one need only consider how insensible, indifferent and dismissive he is to God’s manifold goodness toward him every moment, every hour of his life.

Most of us only reach to God from the pit of despair, pain or loss. Even in this, the man suspects God, ascribing blame to Him for sending torment to force his turnaround.

Who wants a God like that?

Can you imagine observing a neighbor family whose parents constantly set up impossible trials, dangerous obstacles and hurtful deprivation for their children? Then, once tearful and broken, Mommy or Daddy catch the little one up in their arms to ease their pain.

How despicable in our eyes! To exploit children to inflate our sense of meaning or significance; to impose suffering upon them so they might run to us for relief and view us as their savior.

Who wants a God like that?

Could this be true of the One from whom all blessings flow? No! - times ten-thousand. God, Himself, is the original from which the words significant and goodness spring. Suffering, desperation and disease there are aplenty. God our Father does not send them.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:16, 17

That despairing men and women run to God and get relief does not prove His ways or means. Rather, it reveals the extremity of His patience and tender mercy. He whose sunshine and rain pour ceaselessly on evil and good men alike, takes no pleasure in our wretched state. For, consider the true revelation of the One who calls to you:

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Pet 3:9

And Jesus extends His hand and beckons: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30

King David perfectly explains God’s heart in Ps 16:11:
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Who, I wonder, would not want a God like this?