How Abiding in God Produces True Joy
“What if the joy you’ve been chasing isn’t something you earn—it’s something you grow?”
Welcome back, beautiful Kingdom Builder! In Episode 24 of the Joy Inspired Podcast, “Joy is a Fruit,” Nikki Cruise dives deep into a truth that so many of us misunderstand: joy isn’t a reward for our hustle—it’s the byproduct of walking in alignment with God.
If you’ve ever hit goals but felt empty, or shone online while shrinking offline, this episode is your wake-up call. Joy isn’t optional. It’s evidence that you’re connected to the Spirit. And when we stop faking it and start cultivating it from the right place—rooted in truth, not burnout—everything changes.
Why Joy is a Fruit, Not a Bonus
Joy is not something you earn when you achieve a goal. It’s not a token you collect after finishing a launch or hitting a milestone. Scripture reminds us:
Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
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…”
Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
True joy flows from abiding, not achieving. When you feel dry, numb, or burnt out, it’s often a signal you’re walking in performance rather than purpose. Joy is the evidence of Spirit-led alignment—it cannot be faked, forced, or scheduled like a meeting.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Joy
Audit your life and business. Ask yourself: whose yoke am I carrying? Where am I operating out of pressure instead of presence?
Schedule joy intentionally. Dance, laugh, worship, or simply soak in God’s presence. Protect your joy like a priority, not an afterthought.
Abide daily. Connection produces fruit. Presence, not performance, cultivates true joy.
Make worship your strategy. Let praise, gratitude, and God’s Word realign your heart and renew your energy.
Joy is the sign of surrender, not hustle. When you choose to abide in God, joy naturally flows as evidence of alignment, restoration, and purpose. It’s not something extra—it’s the fruit of walking in step with Him.
Moving Forward With Joy at the Center
Here’s what I want you to carry from this episode:
Faith that nurtures joy. You don’t chase it—it grows as you stay connected to the Spirit.
Fire fueled by Spirit-led alignment. Joy strengthens your soul, your influence, and your leadership.
Forward motion anchored in abiding. Your productivity, creativity, and clarity thrive when joy is at the center, not pressure.
Start today. Take small, Spirit-led steps that cultivate joy in your daily life and work. Let your joy be the proof that you are abiding in Him, producing fruit, and walking in purpose.
Your Joy Activation Challenge:
Identify one area in life or business where you’re operating out of pressure and choose a Spirit-led action to realign.
Schedule five minutes of intentional joy today—worship, dance, prayer, or Scripture reflection.
Speak aloud: “The joy of the Lord is my strength!” and declare it over your day, your work, and your purpose.
When joy is your fruit, everything else naturally follows: your clarity, your creativity, your influence, and your impact.
