Numbers 9: Where is God?

At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD’s order and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the LORD’s command they encamped, and at the LORD’s command they set out. They obeyed the LORD’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses. - Num. 9:18-23 NIV

What was God protecting the Israelites from?  What was he propelling them away from or towards?  Did they ever grumble, 'We've been here too long.  When are we going to move?' or 'Why are we moving so soon?  We just got settled'.  The same questions revolve in our heads today.  Can it be that   God is moving amongst us, that he is ordering our lives even when we don't sense it.   Perhaps we'd be more comfortable with a fiery cloud to demonstrate that God is still with us, that he is orchestrating our lives, when all we feel is silence on his part, when all we experience is the mundane or excruciatingly never ending pain.  Where is God in those times when there is no guidance?  Where is God?