Sense and Sensibility: Chasing desire

With Sense and Sensibility out now, Hermione Hutchings asks if we are running after what we want or seeing what God has given us.

The 2026 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, starring George Mackay and Daisy Edgar-Jones, encapsulates perfectly what it means to be a human being. How many times have you found yourself asking why something has happened, or why it hasn’t happened yet?

After the sudden death of their father, the lives of the Dashwood sisters are drastically changed; they are left with no money and forced to leave their house. However, with every dark cloud, comes a silver lining: love. Elinor falls almost in love at first sight with Edward Ferrars, who is the right man for her in every way, but through difficult circumstances keeps getting pulled away. Marianne, meanwhile, is introduced to mysterious Colonel Brandon by the wise, but loud, Mrs Jennings, who has impeccable match-making skills –but instead Marianne chases the wrong man who seemingly meets all her expectations, and ends up in a near-death state. (Spoiler: There’s a happy ending!)

Are you living for God, or are you living for yourself? I believe we all need a Mrs Jennings in our life, someone to give us advice and guide us in our walks of faith – it’s very easy to say read the Bible and pray every day, but it’s an important practice that helps keep us aligned with God’s will.

Like Elinor, many of us miss out on what we know is right, because we want to uphold a reputation or do what we think is right for other people. I can see myself in Marianne, and I’m sure you can relate. Have you chased something you want for a long time – when, in reality, God has placed the very thing you need in your life already and you just need to open your eyes to realise it?

My favourite piece of wisdom in Sense and Sensibility comes from the younger sister, Margaret, who asks: ‘Why must our father always have your ways?’ The will of Mr Dashwood was not what the rest of the family had expected and therefore they were left disappointed. They completely missed the fact that their father did still leave them something.

The same can be true of us. When things don’t quite go our way, it’s so easy to turn from and blame God, forgetting that he has been so faithful and good to us throughout our lives. When times get tough, I often listen to the song ‘Goodness of God’ to be reminded that he is still there for me. The lyrics of the bridge, which echo Psalm 23:6, say: ‘Your goodness is running after me.’

How many times have you found yourself asking why something has happened, or why it hasn’t happened yet? Turn to God. Psalm 46:1 says: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ God has the best advice and will support you in all you do. If we stop running after what we want, we find that God is running much faster towards us.

Reflect and respond

• Read and reflect on Psalm 46. What are the challenges God is telling you to hand over to him?
• Where are you heading in life? What are you chasing after? Are your motives God-centred?
• How can you be someone else’s Mrs Jennings? Where can you give a helpful piece of advice?