Psalm 121:1–2 ESV 
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 

[07/26/2025; Sony A6400 // iPhone 14 Pro Max]

I’ve been blessed to have been able to see some incredible places, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like Cappadocia. From its biblical roots to its modern charm, I knew this place would stay with me. 

I planned this trip about a month ago, and the closer it got, the more excited I became, knowing I was headed into a region filled with soft ridges, golden hills, and skies that feel impossibly wide. It wasn’t long before I was reminded how deeply known I am by the God who made it all. 

During my first stop for lunch, I started digging into Cappadocia’s biblical history. I had a faint memory of it being mentioned in Scripture, but couldn’t immediately recall the passage, or whether the Cappadocia in the Bible was the same one I was standing in. A little research later confirmed it: 

1 Peter 1:1 NLT 
I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 

That hit me in a new way. I wasn’t just visiting a beautiful city, I was walking in a place God thought important enough to mention by name. A place where early believers lived, gathered, and held tightly to their faith. 

In my research I found that Cappadocia was one of the key regions where early Christians had fled during persecution, and where the Church was quietly growing. It was known for its rugged terrain and remote valleys, which made it a natural place for early believers to hide, worship, and build underground churches and monasteries, many of which still exist today carved into the rocks. That makes walking through it feel especially meaningful, like stepping inside the margins of Scripture. I was literally standing where some of the earliest followers of Jesus lived, prayed, and passed on the faith. 

After the exploration in the 4-wheeler the night was followed by a “Turkish Night Dinner”, which made for a full first day. But nothing compared to what came next, the hot air balloon ride which was set for 0400 the following morning. 

After hitting snooze a few times, it was now the morning of the part I had been most looking forward to. When I think of Cappadocia, I think of hot air balloons; it’s one of its well-known wonders. Being able to experience it firsthand is other-worldly, I mean, you really go UP THERE. Obviously, you hit the sky, but I did not realize how high you actually go. Being up in the sky, surrounded by other balloons and some new friends I made along the way, looking down at the valleys below was surreal and for this reason is why I write, to glorify the mighty name of Jesus, to remember, reflect, and to recognize what it points to, God’s glory across the earth. The same God who created the heavens and the earth is the same God who is always with me and you, and for anyone who declares him as LORD. 

Closing 

On our final day, we explored the rest of the city, checked out the local food spots, and visited a nearby castle. Every corner felt intentional, like the land was telling a story older than time. 

Whether you find yourself on a mountaintop or sitting in a quiet valley, keep your eyes lifted. The view will shift. Seasons will change. But the One who helps you never does. 

He is near in the calm. Steady in the climb. Present in your journey. 

Jesus is KING. 

Reflect this week: 
• Where in your life is God inviting you to lift your eyes? 
• Are you trusting Him to be your help even when the way feels unfamiliar? 

Please share in the comments! 

💎