Nehemiah 11-13  Nehemiah describes the organization of the people in and around Jerusalem as his work nears its end. Then he arranges an amazing dedication service for the wall.  Two great choirs are led on top of the wall so that they surround the city of Jerusalem.  ".. and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." (12:43)

If only it stayed that way.  Nehemiah returned to Babylon to once again serve Artaxerxes.  After a short time, perhaps 1-2 years,  he returned to Jerusalem.  What he found there was disheartening:

The priest had allowed Tobiah, Nehemiah's enemy to actually live in the Temple! So, Nehemiah threw him out. 

The people had not been giving what they should, so the Levites had left to go back to growing their own food.  So, Nehemiah rebuked the leaders and restored the giving of tithes. 

The people were profaning the sabbath day by buying and selling and working.. so Nehemiah "admonished them" and had the gates shut and guarded so that merchants could not enter.  When they stayed outside the gates through the night, Nehemiah threatened them with force.  

The people had again intermarried with foreign women, so that even the children were speaking foreign languages and not Hebrew.  The high priest's grandson was one of these.  So, Nehemiah threw him out. 

Before Nehemiah had returned to Babylon, the people had signed a covenant to obey the Word of the Lord.. and just a few years later they had turned away in all these ways.  Nehemiah took responsibility to correct all he could.. praying as he did.. 

"Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my loyal deeds which I have performed for the house of my God and its services." (13:14)

"For this also remember me O my God, and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Thy lovingkindness." ( v22b)

"Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites." ( v29)

"Remember me, O my God, for good." (v31) 

No matter what others choose to do.. we can make the choice to obey God's Word. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says that "Remember" is a plea for help, not just a request for God to not forget something.  The Hebrew word can mean to "mark" or recognize, mention.. or think about.. 

Father, we pray that You would remember us.. for good, according to Your compassion and love. Keep us in Your righteousness and truth.  May we serve You faithfully... no matter what.  Help us, Lord, to deal with those who have turned away.. lovingly restoring them with grace and truth.  May we have wisdom that is from You, wisdom to walk according to truth with purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy. May Your will be done and Your name glorified in us, Your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.