It was not solely their reliance upon Egypt for help which God found offensive. But rather it was that they were not looking to God for help. Realize that this implies that God not only wants to help you, but believing that God wants to help you is part of the faith God requires of you. And that not believing that God wants to help you is an unbelief and an insult which God takes personally. Therefore when you face problems in life, ask God to help. It's not just an option. It's what God expects of His children. But if you're involved in doing evil, not only will God not listen but He will characteristically rise up against you.