Dangers of Self Reliance

If you are like me and many others where being self-reliant has been ingrained into your very identity, then you are not alone. Like many, I have faced many things, and learned early on that I could not rely on those around me for one reason or another. I was meant to be strong in all areas of my life and reminded when I was not. I learned to "just figure it out." It works for some things,  it a total dependable on one's self does not get you far. It leaves us weak. God sees and knows all that we go through and face. We MUST rely on him no matter what. I know it is not easy, and you may think, "no one knows what I have faced or going through," but I assure you God does.In him we are strong!

Self-Reliance vs. Reliance on God

In our culture, self-reliance is often praised as a virtue. From a young age, we’re told to be strong, independent, and to figure things out on our own. And while responsibility and discipline are important, there’s a fine line between healthy independence and the dangerous illusion that we can live without God.

Self-Reliance: A False Security

Self-reliance can make us feel in control. We make our plans, set our goals, and push forward with determination. But when life throws us a curveball—when sickness comes, finances crumble, or relationships break—our strength quickly reveals its limits. Scripture reminds us of this in Proverbs 14:12:

> “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”

When we trust only in ourselves, we’re leaning on a foundation that will eventually give way.

Reliance on God: A Firm Foundation

God doesn’t call us to weakness, but to trust. Reliance on Him doesn’t mean we sit back passively; it means we live with the awareness that our strength, wisdom, and provision ultimately come from Him.

Jesus Himself modeled this for us. In John 5:19 He said,

> “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.”

If Jesus depended fully on His Father, how much more should we? Reliance on God gives us access to His peace, His direction, and His power. It frees us from the crushing weight of trying to control everything.

The Balance: Work with Faith

Reliance on God doesn’t mean we abandon effort or responsibility. It means we work hard, but with hands open—knowing that our plans succeed only if God wills it. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:

> “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Self-reliance says, “I can handle this on my own.”

Reliance on God says, “I can’t do this without You.”

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been relying solely on yourself instead of seeking God’s help?

2. What would change if you surrendered those areas to Him today?

3. How can you practice dependence on God while still being diligent in your responsibilities?

A Prayer:

“Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve trusted in my own strength instead of Yours. Teach me to lean on You in every decision, every challenge, and every blessing. Help me to walk in the balance of diligence and surrender, knowing that You are my true foundation. Amen.”