Thanksgiving

With the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, this word 'jumped' out at me as I was reading through 1 Timothy.  A quick search in the New Testament for the word Thanksgiving netted:

2Co_4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

2Co_9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

Php_4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Col_2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Col_4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

1Ti_4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

1Ti_4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Rev_7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

I'm sort of amazed I missed the word in 2 Corinthians, Philippians, and Colossians.  I still marvel at having read through the Bible numerous times, I still have new 'discoveries'.  He's always revealing 'new' stuff, opening my eyes to see Him in a deeper, richer way.

So...are all these thanksgivings the same?

G2169 - From G2170; gratitude; actually grateful language (to God, as an act of worship).

• From G2095 and a derivative of G5483; well favored, that is, (by implication) grateful.
• G2095 - Neuter of a primary word εὖς eus (good); (adverbially) well.
• G5483 - Middle voice from G5485; to grant as a favor, that is, gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue.
• G5485 - From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude).
• G5463 - A primary verb; to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well.

So...is it used anywhere else?

1 Corinthians 14:16, Ephesians 5:4, 1 Thessalonians 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:1, Revelation 4:9 - translated thanks.

So...what about the OT?

The word 'thanksgiving is used 20x in 17 verses.

H8426 -Used 32x in 30 verses - From H3034; properly an extension of the hand, that is, (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically a choir of worshippers.

H3034 -A primitive root; used only as denominative from H3027; literally to use (that is, hold out) the hand; physically to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively to bemoan (by wringing the hands).

H1960 -From the same as H1959; properly an acclaim, that is, a choir of singers.

A choir of singers.  Voices raised in praise to the gracious, life giving God.  The one who provides the basics (and then some) of our existence.  Have you stopped to thank HIM for what you do have?  Rather than focusing on what we don't have (or want).  Can we see?  Hear?  Smell?  Walk?  Talk? Work?  Play?  Smile?  Frown?  Have running water?  A roof?  Big toes to ensure we can balance and walk?  Hands to hold (or wring?)

Gracious and merciful God, help us Your people to truly raise our voices and hearts in praise to You, not just during this 'season' of thanksgiving, but daily, hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second.

Help us Lord to rejoice in the blessings of goodness, the times where things are not 'going our way', to thank You for all of Your provision, tests, guidance, love and mercy.  May our hearts sing out in praise, glory and honor to You.