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I. TRUE RELIGION IS AN UNSATISFIED ANTICIPATION.

1. It is an anticipation, for there comes out in the language clearly enough —

(1)  The consciousness of an indwelling spiritual nature.

(2)  A consciousness of the greatness of the spiritual nature.

2. It is unsatisfied anticipation. This is suggested by the word "pilgrimage," and is implied in the very sentence which tells the joy. This must be to a certain extent the result of the awakening of the religious life. It is quite true, on the one hand, that they who drink up of the water which Christ gives shall never thirst: and yet it is equally true, on the other, that "we who are in this tabernacle do groan," not because we are dissatisfied, "for that we would be unclothed," but because we are unsatisfied, "for that we should be clothed upon."

II. TRUE RELIGION IS A PRESENT JOYOUS APPROPRIATION.

1. The statutes of Jehovah are the definite and authoritative declaration of the supreme law of right. The good is also the beautiful. The light which flows from God's throne excites in us a holy glow (Romans 7:22).

2. It makes all the difference in the world in respect of the aspect of God's statutes towards you, on which side of the wicket gate you are. If on the outside, these statutes will lift themselves up as an overhanging mountain burning with tempestuous fires and thundering forth eternal anathemas. But if on the inside, and especially if near the Cross, these statutes will become a firm path, along which your feet will run.

3. God's statutes are the instrument of discipline. Take the yoke, and ye shall find rest.

4. God's statutes — that is, God's ordinances — minister unto us seasons of gracious visitation and exalted spiritual delight.

(H. R. Roberts, B. A.)

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KJV: Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

WEB: Your statutes have been my songs, in the house where I live.