Introduction:
“Blessed Assurance” is a cherished Christian hymn with lyrics penned in 1873 by Fanny J. Crosby, a prolific hymn writer who was blind from infancy. The melody was composed by her close friend, Phoebe Palmer Knapp, an accomplished musician and daughter of evangelist Dr. Walter Palmer. The hymn emerged from a collaborative moment when Knapp played a new melody for Crosby and asked what it conveyed. Crosby immediately responded, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” and proceeded to recite the hymn’s opening stanza.
Fanny Crosby’s life was marked by her unwavering faith and remarkable literary output, despite losing her sight at six weeks old due to a medical error. She began composing hymns at a young age and eventually authored over 8,000 gospel hymn texts, often under various pen names to avoid overwhelming hymnals with her name. Her deep personal faith and extensive memorization of the Bible profoundly influenced her hymn writing, allowing her to craft lyrics that resonated with many believers.
Phoebe Palmer Knapp, who composed the tune for “Blessed Assurance,” was a skilled musician credited with over 500 gospel hymns and tunes. She was married to Joseph F. Knapp, founder of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and their home housed one of the largest pipe organs installed in a private residence at that time. The friendship between Crosby and Knapp, both active in the John Street Methodist Church in Manhattan, led to this fruitful collaboration.
The hymn’s lyrics reflect themes of personal salvation, divine assurance, and a foretaste of eternal glory, encapsulating the essence of Crosby’s faith and the Wesleyan understanding of Christian perfection. The refrain, “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long,” emphasizes a life devoted to continuous praise and submission to God’s will.
“Blessed Assurance” gained widespread popularity after its inclusion in various hymnals and was notably featured in the Moody and Sankey revivals in the late 19th century. Its enduring appeal is evident as it remains a favorite in many Christian denominations and has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. The hymn’s message of unwavering faith and the promise of salvation continues to inspire and comfort believers worldwide.
In 2006, country music artist Alan Jackson included “Blessed Assurance” in his album “Precious Memories,” a collection of gospel hymns that reflect his upbringing and faith. Jackson’s rendition brought the hymn to a broader audience, showcasing its timeless relevance and the profound impact of its message.
“Blessed Assurance” stands as a testament to Fanny Crosby’s legacy and the power of hymns to convey deep spiritual truths, offering believers a means to express their faith and hope in Jesus Christ.