The Lord helps those who help themselves. (Not found in the Bible)
It's really interesting how people think this saying is found in the Bible. It's not. Do you know why? Because God doesn't want us to be rely on ourselves. He wants us to rely on him. Let's clear up some misconceptions though.
Does this mean that God expects us to stand there and not do anything? No. Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." And Proverbs 12:11 says "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense." So we are supposed to work and do it well.
Does God expect us to think things through and make sound decisions? Yes! For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV))
So what does it mean to be reliant on God? I think it means to depend on him, not ourselves. In other words I should live my life in such a way that I am doing the best that I can in everything I do but know that it is God who is in control. And it is him I should go to for answers, not my best friend, not my Pastor, not my family.
When troubles come, it is God who I go to. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
When I don't know what to do or which way to go, it is God I ask. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Of course, this requires a little bit (OK, a lot) of trust. How do you get that? Trust is built on experience. Talk to God. Ask him questions. Start by leaving things in his hands. As he answers you and shows up in even the tiniest things, you will learn to trust him. Does he care about the tiny things? Why, yes he does! "Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered" Luke 12:7
And the most wonderful thing happens next....you will start to turn to him for everything because his answers are always 100% better than anything you could think of!