Although it is not a situation we want to be in, he is there with us, and so we will get through. Jesus said let not your heart be troubled and again be not anxious. Fear not for I am with you. I do not want to walk through the valleys, but I will not be afraid as long as He is there with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Sheep have no natural defenses.
They are helpless in the face of these predators. The shepherd however is not defenseless. The rod was a short club, like a policeman's nightstick. It had a rawhide string attached to the end. It could be used as a club or bat.