Blessed Assurance

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart

in full assurance of faith…

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,

for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:22-23 

One of Fanny Crosby’s dear friends was Phoebe Knapp.  While Fanny lived in he Manhattan slums and worked at a rescue mission, Phoebe lived in a mansion in Brooklyn, where she led a lavish lifestyle.  Her music room held wonderful instruments, and Fanny was often a guest in her home.

One day in 1873 while Fanny was visiting her friend, Phoebe had a new song to share.  Sitting down at the piano, she played a lively tune full of hope and faith.  Fanny remarked, “That sounds like Blessed Assurance!”  Fanny immediately composed the words for Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.

Even as a child, this hymn was my favorite – both to sing and to play.  I was fascinated to know that angels were descending from heaven, bringing to us echoes of mercy, whispers of love.  Any time someone would ask, “What hymn would you like to sing?,” my answer would be, Blessed Assurance!

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Alan Jackson Live!