Jason Zuidema, Secretary General of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), rarely mentions seafarers without mentioning their families.
Caring is a key word in all church work. Therefore also in ICMA. Caring is a matter of the heart for Jesus.
Those who are cared for grow as human beings. You grow from being cared for, because caring moulds and grows the good in people. The caring environment is the perfect place for all people to be. Be it at home or at work.
The seafarer and their family need special care. I want to be bold enough to encourage you to open your hands to God's care. I assume you are a seafarer, but if you are not, please read on. You and your family will benefit from it.
God's eternal care
I want to point out two particular areas where God's care is directed towards you. Your eternal life and your life right now.
God's care is extraordinarily expressed in what he does for us through Jesus. Jesus became the bridge between God and us after the great failure in the Garden of Eden. There, the caring God called out to Adam and Eve in despair: "Where are you?". That call, that voice is still there. Adam and Eve didn't dare jump up then and answer: "Here we are". But we can do that with Jesus in our hands.
Jesus is the reconciler between God and man. It is Jesus who makes man say again: "Here I am" when God calls us. And he does. The friendship Jesus provides between God and man is the opening to eternal life. An unfathomable and marvellous care from God. An eternal friendship with God is absolutely heavenly.
Right here in your everyday life
God's care is not only for the future, but also for right now. Anyone who has experience praying to God will know this. And anyone who has experience of reading the Bible will know God's guidance for life right now. God's care is not 'just' for the big things, but also for the small and big problems of everyday life. Can you expect God's care if your luggage is lost at the airport or if your children are not doing well at school? Of course you can. Involve God in your daily life. God's own promise is that he wants to be involved in your everyday life.
God's care for man is a catalyst for all good. Whoever accepts that care receives joy and brings joy with him. The Apostle Peter says of Jesus: "Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares for you".
Celtic Christian spirituality dates back to the 2nd century when Christianity made its way to Ireland. It contains song and blessing texts that are filled with God's care. Read and receive this:
The Lord be before you
to point you in the right direction.
The Lord be beside you
to accompany you on your journey.
The Lord be behind you
to keep your back free.
The Lord be with you
To catch you when you fall.
The Lord be in you
to fill you with his Spirit.
The Lord be with you
to preserve you from evil.
The Lord be upon you
to bless you.
Then be blessed
of God the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit.
Amen.