His Plan

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

In a previous post "Arrangement" I continued to try and define God's Orchestra using Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. From this definition, I could see the emphasis on the word 'plan,' so following the earlier notion, I replaced 'arrange' with 'plan' and I have God’s Plan.

Now, I really think we are getting somewhere, but can it really be this simple? Would I find the meaning of God’s Orchestra, His Plan, in the dictionary?

I looked up the definition of the word plan, a noun circa 1706, which has it’s etymology from French, plane, foundation, ground plan; partly from Latin planum level ground, from neuter of planus level; partly from French planter to plant, fix in place, from Late Latin plantare.

1 plan, 1 : a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: as a : a top or horizontal view of an object b : a large-scale map of a small area

2 a : a method for achieving an end b : an often customary method of doing something : PROCEDURE c : a detailed formulation of a program of action d : GOAL, AIM

3 : an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective

4 : a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service)
- plan·less adjective
- plan·less·ly adverb
- plan·less·ness noun

Concerning the third definition, I noted 'plan' to be “an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective.” The word arrangement caught my attention as well as the word design.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." I Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)  God is an orderly God. So, I replaced plan with design and found God’s Design. 

He certainly is up to something and I am on the edge of my seat!

Arrangement

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

In a previous blog post “His Ways” I began to define God’s Orchestra using Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary.  While I didn’t have any clearer understanding of the meaning of God’s Orchestra, I found a clue which gave a direction to follow.  The definition of orchestra emphasized the word arrange, so the next logical step was to look up the definition of arrange and for the sake of defining His Orchestra, I will replace ‘orchestra’ with ‘arrange’ and God’s Orchestra becomes God’s Arrange.

Arrange is a verb, circa 1789, with it’s etymology from Middle English arangen; and from Middle French arangier; from Old French, from a- + rengier to set in a row, and from reng, which means row.

ar·range,  -ranged; -rang·ing,  transitive senses,1 : to make preparations for : PLAN <arranged a reception for the visitor>
2 : to put into a proper order or into a correct or suitable sequence, relationship, or adjustment <arrange flowers in a vase> <arrange cards alphabetically>
3 a : to adapt (a musical composition) by scoring for voices or instruments other than those for which orig. written b : ORCHESTRATE
4 : to bring about an agreement or understanding concerning : SETTLE <arrange an exchange of war prisoners>
intransitive senses
1 : to bring about an agreement or understanding <arranged to have a table at the restaurant>
2 : to make preparations : PLAN <arranged for a vacation with his family>
synonym see ORDER
- ar·rang·er, noun

From the definition of arrange, I could see the emphasis on the word plan.  So following my earlier notion and replacing arrange with plan, God’s Arrange becomes God’s Plan.  

Now, I think we are getting somewhere, but can it really be this simple?  Would I find the meaning of God’s Orchestra, His Plan, in the dictionary? 

The definition of arrange shows me that God’s Orchestra can be defined, in part, when we allow Him to arrange the details of our life.  

When we allow God to direct our life, He will take our cacophonous circumstances and create a melodious arrangement for our good and His Glory.