34  Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the  Lord  filled the tabernacle.  35  And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the  Lord  filled the tabernacle.  36  Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would  go onward in all their journeys.  37  But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up.  38  For the cloud of the  Lord   was  above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.  

When everything had been completed, a cloud covered the tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled it (34). God now lived among the people. The tabernacle became the Tent of Meeting (35), replacing the tent used earlier by Moses (cf. 33:7–11). It differed, however, in that God lived within the tent and Moses had to stay outside (35), whereas previously Moses had gone inside the tent and God had remained outside (33:9). God’s presence was visible to everyone through the cloud and fire which settled upon the tabernacle. From here he guided them on their journeys (36–38). Thus Exodus comes to a fitting conclusion by noting the glorious presence of the sovereign God in the midst of his people Israel.— T.D. Alexander  

The  cloud   by day  and the  fire by night  was a symbol of God's guidance. It says that God is not distant and that He wants to be involved in our lives. He does not need an intermediary to work for Him. He can manifest Himself by cloud or fire if need be—for He is  God.  

“We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.” —R.C. Sproul  

PRAYER: Father, sometimes I get so busy and I fail to spend time with you. Oh how I long to be in your presence. Forgive me for being selfish in thinking only of myself. I want to live in your presence. Amen!