Pilgrimage to Jerusalem

Different Bible translations adopt various approaches in interpreting Psalm 84. I believe the NLT, from which I cite in this post, makes the message of the psalm clearest.

Verse 5 says,

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
    who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Does this mean we physically must visit Jerusalem? Revelation speaks of heaven as a sort of "New Jerusalem," so this verse probably refers to the pilgrimage of life, and its end goal of ascension to heaven.

So what rewards await those who embark upon such a pilgrimage? Verses 6 and 7 say,

When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
    it will become a place of refreshing springs.
    The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
 They will continue to grow stronger,
    and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

These verses provide us excellent focus as we navigate through life. Let us not become distracted by the ways of this world. Rather, let us recall that we are sojourners, maintaining a focus on heavenly matters.