by The hymn “Blessed Assurance” was written by Fanny J. Crosby, one of Christian history’s most prolific hymn writers. The story behind this hymn is both inspirational and deeply rooted in Crosby’s life experiences.
Fanny J. Crosby was born in New York City on March 24, 1820. She lost her sight as a baby due to a medical error, but her blindness did not deter her from a life of faith and creativity. She attended the New York Institute for the Blind, later becoming a teacher and principal.
The inspiration for “Blessed Assurance” came from a visit by her friend, Phoebe Knapp, in 1873. Phoebe Knapp was a composer and musician who often collaborated with Crosby. That day, Knapp played a tune on her piano for Crosby and asked her what she thought the tune said. Immediately, Crosby replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”
These words flowed from Crosby’s heart, and she quickly penned the lyrics to what would become one of her most famous hymns.
The hymn emphasizes the believer’s confidence and assurance in their relationship with Jesus Christ. It speaks of the joy and peace of knowing Christ as Savior.
Here are the opening lines of “Blessed Assurance” copied from https://hymnary.org/text/blessed_assurance_jesus_is_mine
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
The hymn resonated with people and became a beloved part of Christian worship. It has been sung in churches worldwide for over a century and continues to inspire and uplift those who sing it.
