The greatest discovery that any of us can make in life is that we can have a close personal relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus, because that connection puts us in touch with every other good thing we need.

Such a relationship is not only possible, it’s only a short prayer away. “Jesus, I need You. Come into my heart and life. Forgive me for my sins, and be my Savior, my ever-present companion and counselor, my unfailing help. Amen.”

Making that connection is instantaneous, but that is only the start. Like any other meaningful relationship, it develops and matures over time, and it grows the quickest through daily interaction. As you learn to turn to Him in prayer and get to know Him and His plan better through reading His Word, you will come to understand how deeply He loves you personally, how much He wants to see you happy, fulfilled, and living up to your full potential, and how directly He wants to be involved in your life. You will be amazed at how ready, willing, and able He is to supply not only love and understanding in trying times, but also practical solutions to the problems you face.

For parents, the only thing more wonderful than having that kind of personal relationship with God themselves is knowing that it’s just as freely available to their children.“For the promise is to you and to your children” (Acts 2:39).

Families that share that common connection with God, whom the Bible calls love itself (1 John 4:8), are closer, more loving, more unified, and have far fewer serious problems among themselves than families that don’t. Why?—Because they have the most important things in common, besides a clear standard of right and wrong—the spiritual guidance and support they need to make the right decisions and stick to them. When problems and irritations arise, real solutions and heavenly help are only a prayer away.

If you want more for your family and haven’t yet discovered Jesus, connect with Him and start growing together.

Keith Phillips is a member of the Family International in the United States.