1) Fasting, quit smoking, doing recovery step work (doing a 4th step). Lack of will power, addiction, distractions, procrastination, depression and just general sloth. Some fear I suppose. Maybe in some ways it can be a lack of faith. If my faith was very strong that these things would change me or that I could do them, I think they might get done faster or more consistently. Or if I had a clearer vision into what was happening as I did them or didn't do them depending. I don't have a good 'reason' per se, other than old nature. On the other hand to put things in perspective, it's a good day if I am sober from drink, drugs, inappropriate contentography and resentment, and I've had some pretty good days lately and haven't had a drink in 3 1/2 years. So there's some stuff that I am doing and I'm happy about it. Pretty sure He is too.
2) Something that didn't love me and want the best for me wouldn't be God.
I John 4:8 "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
I John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us"
It would seem that He is the Author of Love. It is demonstrated in Christ's sacrifice, but talked about more in this chapter. I'm pretty sure He has a better concept of what it (Love) is than I do. I don't think it's possible to create something like that without it being an intimate part of you. How could a creator that knew nothing of Love create things that loved? I don't see how that would be possible. The other negative emotions and sin itself, I see as a natural consequence of a distancing from God, just as things might get increasingly cold and darker the further you moved away from a fire.
3) It depends on how much I allow myself to be transformed by the sacraments and seeking Him. Part of His desire is for that transformation to occur. I know what happens when I move in the opposite direction, that's Hell and insanity. Ultimately, yes. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God". That's difficult to do and it doesn't always feel like Joy, but yes I believe it will be.
