Introduction:
“Blessed Assurance” is a cherished Christian hymn with lyrics penned in 1873 by Fanny J. Crosby, a prolific hymn writer who, despite losing her sight in infancy, composed over 8,000 hymns throughout her lifetime. The music for this hymn was composed by her close friend, Phoebe P. Knapp.
The creation of “Blessed Assurance” is attributed to a visit Crosby made to Knapp’s residence. During this visit, Knapp played a new melody on her piano and inquired what it conveyed to Crosby. Crosby immediately responded, “Blessed assurance; Jesus is mine,” and proceeded to craft the hymn’s lyrics that same day.
The hymn was first published in the July 1873 issue of “Guide to Holiness and Revival Miscellany,” a magazine edited by Knapp and her husband. Its popularity surged when evangelist Ira Sankey included it in his “Gospel Songs No. 5” collection in 1887, leading to its frequent use in revival meetings across the United States and Great Britain.
“Blessed Assurance” reflects Crosby’s deep personal faith and her extensive knowledge of the Bible, with themes drawn from passages in Philippians and Hebrews. The hymn emphasizes the joy and peace found in a relationship with Jesus, encapsulated in the refrain: “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.”
In 2006, country music artist Alan Jackson included “Blessed Assurance” in his album “Precious Memories,” a collection of traditional hymns. Jackson’s rendition introduced the hymn to a broader audience, blending his smooth vocals with a simple, acoustic arrangement that honors the original composition’s spirit. His performance contributed to the hymn’s enduring legacy, resonating with both long-time believers and new listeners.
“Blessed Assurance” continues to be a staple in Christian worship services worldwide, its timeless message of faith and assurance inspiring generations of believers. The collaboration between Crosby and Knapp, along with Jackson’s later rendition, underscores the hymn’s universal appeal and its profound impact on Christian music history.