The dictionary defines “nostalgia” as “a sentimentality for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.” In Job 29 we find nostalgia. In this case, Job’s remembrance of the better days he previously experienced not only reveals the deepest longings of his heart, but also points forward to a greater fulfillment yet to come for all who walk with God. We might have expected Job to speak of the good old days as a time when his health was excellent, his business was booming, and his family was flourishing. But Job begins by remembering, not primarily the blessings he experienced, but rather “the friendship of God.” Above all, Job longs for this fellowship to be restored. Intimacy with God was at the heart of his life, his family, and his farm. Plentiful abundance surrounded him, but it was the loving watchfulness of God over his life that meant everything to Job (v 1-6). And it’s important to note that his personal relationship with God benefited more than just himself. Job was a blessing to the whole community. Where business and government were transacted, Job was honored and respected—not because of his wealth, but because of his godly leadership and service to others. Job’s concern was for justice, and he cared about the helpless people of his society. No wonder they treated him with dignity and rejoiced in his presence. Matthew Henry said that when a great man is also a good man, he will find more satisfaction in his goodness than in his greatness. This was Job. He was the leader they all loved because he did what a leader should do: he looked out for those who could not look out for themselves (v 7-17). Job had been, on a local level, what Adam ought to have been for the world, and what Jesus will be for all His redeemed creation. So Job does not expect his glory to decline or his greatness to crumble. He anticipates a long and prosperous life so that God’s justice might prevail. It is a right and natural longing that the rule of such a good man would last forever (v 18-20). As spring rains water the crops, Job’s wise counsel and just judgments brought life to the people of his society. His smiling face represented the image and likeness of God to them. Comfort was found when he was near (v 21-25). Like Job, we too should long for the joy of intimate fellowship with God and all the blessings of a renewed creation. Such Spirit-filled longings are fulfilled only in part during this age, but fully in the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. He will be our great and good Ruler—and we will reign with Him, forever! For further meditation: