Episode Summary:

Welcome back, beautiful Kingdom Builder, to the Joy Inspired Podcast! In this soul-stirring episode, Nikki Cruise dives deep into the often-misunderstood truth about joy. It's not a reward for your hustle—it's a fruit of alignment. 

If you've ever found yourself hitting goals but feeling empty, or showing up online while shrinking offline, this episode will lovingly call you back into realignment with God's heart. Joy isn't optional. It's evidence of abiding in the Spirit, and it's time we stop faking it and start cultivating it from the right place—rooted in truth, not burnout.

This episode will challenge, refresh, and realign you. Think of it as a warm hug and a holy wake-up call at the same time. You don’t need more hustle—you need more Holy Spirit flow.

Key Takeaways

• Joy is not a bonus. It's a byproduct - It's the fruit of walking in the Spirit, not something you earn when you achieve your goals.
• Alignment > Achievement - When you feel dry, numb, or burnt out, it’s often a sign you’re walking in performance—not purpose.
• Audit your life and business - If your strategy is thriving but your soul is tired, it’s time to ask: Whose yoke am I carrying?
• You can't fake fruit - Joy comes from connection, not control. From presence, not pressure. From abiding, not achievement.
• Schedule joy with intention -  Just like meetings and launches, joy needs to be on your calendar. Dance, laugh, worship—whatever fills your cup.

Scriptures Mentioned

• Galatians 5:22 - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…”
• Matthew 11:30 - “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
• John 15:5 - “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
• Isaiah 26:3 - “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
• Nehemiah 8:10 - “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
• Psalm 16:11 - “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
• Proverbs 17:22 - “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Fuel your faith and reset your mindset with God’s Word!

👉 Download 30 Joy Scriptures – A free, printable resource to help you speak life, stir up joy, and stay rooted in truth every day.

Encouragement for listeners:

• You weren’t created to just perform—you were made to produce fruit. 
• Joy is not something extra—it’s evidence that you’re abiding in Him. 
• If your joy has been ghosting you, it’s time to stop and ask: “Am I still aligned with God’s assignment?”
• Don’t let burnout be the badge of your success. Let JOY be the sign of your surrender. 
• Make worship your strategy, rest your rhythm, and joy your declaration. Speak it loud: “The joy of the Lord is my strength!”
• It’s not too late to come back into alig

Stay Connected with Nikki:

• Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.com
• LinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspired
• Email: [email protected]

Closing Encouragement:

“You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.”

Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!