Exodus 33-34

After the incedent with the golden calf God commanded Israel to move on to take the land of their inhertence. But the rebellious nature of the people threatened their existance. God said that he would not travel with them. But Moses boldly demanded that God reconsider and walk with his people. In 33:16 Moses spoke to God a truth that not only applied to that wandering nation, but described God's people in every generation since then: when God dwells among his people his presence is what distinguishes his people from all other people. As Christians we have the same distinction; God's Holy Spirit dwells in the lives of his people. Paul refers to his presence as a reminder of our redemption (Ephesian 1:14). So we can understand that God's presence in the lives of people of faith is a timeless constant of his nature.
Stuart