In 1 Samuel 16, we find the prophet Samuel in a moment of deep sorrow. He is mourning for King Saul, a man whom God has rejected as the leader of Israel. Despite this divine decision, Samuel clings to the past, grieving over what was once a promising relationship. God, however, instructs Samuel to move forward, to stop mourning, and to anoint a new king, David. This moment in scripture is powerful, reminding us that sometimes, in our personal and professional lives, we hold on to things that God—or circumstances—has clearly moved on from.
Mourning What We Should Release
Just as Samuel mourned Saul, we often find ourselves clinging to the past, to relationships, roles, or ways of thinking that no longer serve us. Whether it’s a job that we’ve outgrown, a friendship that has become toxic, or even a way of thinking that has become outdated, we can become stuck in a place of sorrow and nostalgia. But God’s message to Samuel is clear: “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king” (1 Samuel 16:1, NIV). The lesson is simple yet profound—when God rejects something, He does so for a reason, and it is our task to trust in His plan and move forward.
The Cybersecurity Perspective: Holding On to Outdated Practices
In the cybersecurity world, there is a similar tendency to hold on to outdated principles and practices. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging at an alarming rate. Yet, many professionals find comfort in the familiar, sticking to legacy systems, outdated protocols, and old-school methodologies that once served well but now pose significant risks.
For instance, consider the reliance on traditional perimeter security in an age where the cloud, mobile devices, and remote work have rendered the perimeter all but obsolete. Many organizations continue to invest heavily in firewall technology and network segmentation, believing these measures alone will keep threats at bay. But just as God moved on from Saul, the cyber threat landscape has moved on from the days when perimeter defense was enough.
Another example is the adherence to password-only authentication. Despite the clear evidence that multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly reduces the risk of breaches, many professionals are reluctant to implement it, citing user inconvenience or cost. This resistance mirrors Samuel’s mourning over Saul—holding on to something familiar instead of embracing what is needed for future success.
Embracing the New: The Call to Innovate
Just as God called Samuel to anoint David, a new and better-suited king, cybersecurity professionals are called to adopt new practices, embrace innovation, and trust in the evolving strategies that meet the demands of today’s challenges. Zero Trust architecture, AI-driven threat detection, and continuous monitoring are just a few examples of how the field is moving forward, providing new “anointed” methods for defending against cyber threats.
However, this transition isn’t always easy. It requires letting go of the past—of the old ways that we may have relied on for years. It demands a willingness to learn, to adapt, and to trust that these new methods will serve us better, just as David ultimately became the greatest king in Israel’s history.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Faith and Strategy
The story of Samuel and Saul teaches us the importance of moving forward when God has closed a chapter. In our lives and in our work, especially in cybersecurity, we must recognize when it’s time to let go of outdated practices and embrace new strategies that better align with current realities. Just as Samuel was called to stop mourning and anoint a new king, we are called to stop clinging to the past and prepare for the future.
In both our spiritual and professional journeys, the message is clear: God has a plan, and it is one that requires us to trust, innovate, and move forward with faith. As cyber professionals, let us take this lesson to heart, ensuring that we don’t mourn over old practices but instead, anoint the new methodologies that will lead us to success and security in the days to come.
Amen