Inspired by . . . Hymns of Faith: Blessed Assurance

Inspired by . . . Hymns of Faith: Blessed Assurance

One of the most prolific hymn writers of all-time, having written well over eight thousand texts, Fanny Crosby wrote Blessed Assurance for her beloved friend, Phoebe Palmer Knapp. Knapp, herself a well-known singer and writer, had composed the tune and asked Fanny to write the words.

In her memoir, Fanny wrote this about the beloved hymn: "[Phoebe] had composed the tune; and it seemed to me one of the sweetest I had heard for a long time. She asked me what it said. I replied, "Blessed assurance." I felt while bringing the words and tones together that the air and the hymn were intended for each other."

Indeed, some might argue that they were divinely intended for each other as Fanny's words have no doubt comforted millions of Christians in the face of fear and doubt. 

Her words remind us to keep our eyes focused firmly on the Source of our salvation.  Christ is ours and we are His! The divine glory that is ours and will be ours in Christ moves steadily closer as we praise and worship Him in our daily lives. 

The second stanza provides a glimpse of the perfection and healing that will be ours when we embrace Him in eternity. Surely Fanny, who was blinded when she was six, must have longed for the day when she would receive back her physical sight.

Neither the loss nor the longing, however, stopped her from contributing greatly to the Kingdom while she was here on earth. Beyond her writing, she was a teacher and distinguished as the first woman whose voice was ever heard publicly in the Senate Chamber in Washington.

Despite her fame, the heart of Fanny Crosby remains evident in the Sunday-school hymns she wrote, many of which, still today, teach children the truths of scripture.

We all have a story. And the story of Fanny Crosby is one from which we can all learn and benefit. 

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior, all the day long;

this is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long.

Blessings,

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