Who Is God, Really?

Is God harsh or kind? Are His laws binding or (in our 'New Testament' era) mere suggestions? What does He mean when He uses the phrase "for thy good"? Are His commandments grievous to be borne or the gateway for untold blessing? When bad things happen to good people, is God responsible? How does human free-will factor in? Does fearing God mean I'm supposed to be afraid of Him? If so, why would He want that?

For years, I saw God and His laws as harsh and restrictive. Crimes and punishments. Then I read the book of Deuteronomy through five times in a row, and suddenly saw a God whose heart-cry was for His children to walk in ways that would bring blessings in their lives. Not 'my way or the highway', but "prove Me herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing..."

Walk with me for awhile. Let's explore together and see what kind of answers we can find for these questions. I have many thoughts about them, and many lingering uncertainties. Tell me what you've learned. Let's divide truth from feelings, and find a foundation upon which to firmly stand.