from Rzim (see link on sidebar)

In every season of a life moving toward God, the
psalmist shows us that the one we journey toward is the reality that sets
our hearts toward pilgrimage in the first place.  In this alone is there
not reason to give thanks along the way?  We seek because there is one
to find.  Whether in loneliness or in triumph, we are given songs
to sing.  And in Christ we find the most hopeful image of a pilgrim, a man
who knew he was far way from home, and laid down his life to show us the
way.  We are promised that the road is costly, even as he offers a burden
that is easy and a yoke that is light.

As the weary pilgrims of Israel made their ascent to the Temple Mount in
Jerusalem, they sang with the journey yet on their hearts: "How lovely is
your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!  My soul yearns, even faints, for
the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God"
(84:1-2). 

It is a stirring image: a great crowd making the ascent to worship God
after a long journey already wrought with thanksgiving on their lips.  It
is all the more stirring to see yourself as one of them:  "Blessed are
those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage"
(Psalm 84:5).