Assurance

Assurance. That’s a word we don’t hear or say very often. There is an old song that we don’t sing very often anymore, either. “Blessed Assurance.” It’s full of words and phrases that we pass over too quickly when singing. Let’s stop and meditate on some of them.

“Foretaste.” That’s just a little teaser of what’s to come. What is ahead? “Glory divine.” What will that be like? We can only imagine. “Visions of rapture” burst before our eyes if we dare to believe the descriptions of what is in store for those of us who know Jesus and are assured of His working in our lives now and forever.

Fanny Crosby, the writer of these lyrics, had “blessed assurance” in her soul. As you probably know, she was blind all of her life. Her physical eyes didn’t allow her to be sure of her surroundings. But there was nothing wrong with her spiritual eyes. She knew her Savior was with her. She wrote thousands of poems. Many of them mention sight or seeing.

“I shall see Him face to face” (Saved by Grace}. “Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see”(To God Be the Glory}. “Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see” (Tell Me the Story of Jesus). “I know that the light of His presence with me doth continually dwell” (Redeemed). “Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope” (Draw Me Nearer). “O the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face” (My Savior First of All).

Do we have the kind of assurance that Fanny Crosby seemed to possess? There are many scriptures that can fill us with the positive confidence needed to navigate troubled waters. Maybe it would be a good idea to print out a list of verses that will help to build steel into your backbone. Here are a few examples that are special to me.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you” (Isaiah 43:1 & 2).

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). 

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). 

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2).

Do you need a little dose of assurance today? Maybe a big dose? Do you know some Scripture verses that will do that?

Here’s a link to hear the old favorite penned by Fanny Crosby: Blessed Assurance