Was the Galaxy and the universe created by God according to a deliberate plan?

 Yes it was. The plan incorporates good and bad aspects.

The good is that we can engage in sense-gratification and fruitive work if we want. The bad is that there can be unpleasant consequences if we cross some of the many lines.

Ultimately the plan is that we understand that suffering is inevitable in this world and then, disillusioned with this world, we can return to the spiritual world where there is no suffering. This is best done by humbling ourselves before the Supreme Lord and and His pure devotees, asking for their mercy while following their instructions.

This universe is described as an ocean of birth and death. Everywhere we look on our planet birth and death are going on. Both being born and dying are stressful situations and in-between there is always suffering. Seeing that clearly should prompt us to leave this world (naturally please) and return to Krishna, thus escaping this ocean of difficulties once and for all.

This Sri Krishna makes clear in Bhagavad Gita.

But those who worship Me, giving up all their activities unto Me and being devoted to Me without deviation, engaged in devotional service and always meditating upon Me, having fixed their minds upon Me, O son of Prtha -- for them I am the swift deliverer from the ocean of birth and death. Bg 12.6–7

Sukadeva Goswami explains the overall plan for us in this world.

Sukadeva Gosvami said: The Supreme Lord manifested the material intelligence, senses, mind and vital air of the living entities so that they could indulge their desires for sense gratification, take repeated births to engage in fruitive activities, become elevated in future lives and ultimately attain liberation. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.87.2

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