A.B. Simpson emphasizes that the presence of trials and clouds in our lives is a sign of following God's guidance, as seen in the experiences of the disciples who entered the cloud to witness the glory of the transfiguration. He illustrates how the cloud served as both a shelter for the Israelites from the harsh sun and a symbol of God's mercy and truth amidst darkness. The sermon reassures believers that even in difficult times, God's presence is a protective canopy, shielding them from the heat of sorrow and temptation. Ultimately, the clouds signify not only trials but also the promise of God's glorious appearing.

The presence of clouds upon your sky and trials in your path are the very best evidence that you are following the pillar of cloud and walking in the presence of God. The disciples had to enter the cloud before they could behold the glory of the transfiguration. A little later that same cloud became the chariot to receive the ascending Lord, and it is still waiting as the chariot that will bring His glorious appearing. Still it is true that while clouds and darkness are round about him, mercy and truth are ever in their midst and shall go before thy face (Psalm 89:14). Perhaps the most beautiful and gracious use of the cloud was to shelter Israel from the fiery sun. Like a great umbrella, that majestic pillar spread its canopy above the camp and became a shielding shadow from the burning heat in the treeless desert. One who has never felt an oriental sun cannot fully appreciate how much this means-a shadow from the heat. So the Holy Spirit comes between us and the fiery, scorching rays of sorrow and temptation.