The Lord is King; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him, righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne. A fire goes before him and burns up his enemies on every side. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees it and is afraid. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. (Psalm 97: 1-6)

Any direct encounter between God and myself will feature significant divine restraint. Even then my response is likely to be fearful. And in fear, I will probably not hear clearly or understand fully.

When God uses intermediaries - prophets, teachers, the holy spirit - I can hear better, but it is also easier to doubt, to argue, or just ignore.

I have eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. I have exchanged innocent wisdom for knowledgable confusion. I am in desperate need of patience, forgiveness and love; all of which are offered if I will set aside my confusion just long enough to accept.